A Teachers Institute attendee laughing in the audience.
Program

Summer Poetry Teachers Institute

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The Summer Poetry Teachers Institute is a free annual professional development opportunity for educators who want to incorporate more poetry in their teaching practice. Participants connect with peers and renowned practitioners in seminars, hands-on workshops, and small break-out sessions. They leave the 4.5-day experience with poetry lessons/unit plans to bring back to their classrooms and professional development credits from the Illinois State Board of Education. Since its inception in 2015, hundreds of K-12 and community college educators have formed lasting communities of poetry ambassadors who are expanding poetry education for young people in the United States and beyond. 

quoteRight
Thank you, thank you. ‘Poetry camp’ was my most cherished educational opportunity/experience in 26 years of
teaching.
quoteLeft
— 2023 Participant

Eligibility

  • K-12 teachers, school librarians and administrators, and community college instructors
  • New and experienced educators, including those who enjoy teaching poetry and those who have struggled with it
  • Previous attendees are welcome to apply again
  • Registrants must be able to commit to participating in every session offered in their tier
  • Schedules and tiers are made available during registration

Additional Details

  • Applications open annually in March
  • Participants receive 30 hours of professional development credits from the Illinois State Board of Education
  • The institute accepts 135 participants each year
  • Applicants are notified of acceptance in late April or early May
  • The Institute takes place over 4.5 days (Monday-Friday) in July each year
  • Past locations have included Miami and Chicago

FAQ

Q: How much does the Institute cost?
A: There is no cost to attend. Attendees are responsible for transportation, lodging, and some meals.

Q: I don’t know much about poetry. May I participate?
A: We aim to make all teachers more comfortable teaching poetry, so if you want to use poetry in the classroom, we encourage you to apply.

Q: As an elementary teacher, will I be in the same seminars and workshops as community college instructors?
A: Every level (elementary, middle, high, and community college) will have level-specific programming along with some whole group seminars.  

Q: When does the Institute take place?
A: (Details specific to the 2024 Institute) 
July 22-26 (all times CT):

  • Monday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 24, 8:30 AM -4:30 PM
  • Thursday, July 25, 9:30 AM -3:30 PM (optional reading 5-7 PM)
  • Friday, July 26, 8:30 AM -12:30 PM 

Q: Where will the Institute take place?
A:  (Details specific to the 2024 Institute) 
DePaul University Schmitt Academic Center
2320 N. Kenmore
Chicago, IL 60614

Q. When do applications open? 
Applications open annually in March. Subscribe to the Poetry Foundation newsletter and follow the Poetry Foundation on LinkedIn to stay informed about registration, deadlines, and more.  

Q: Do you offer lodging?
A: We do not offer free lodging, However, we offer discount booking codes upon acceptance to the Institute.  

Q: Will you offer meals?
A: A light breakfast and box lunch are provided most days of the Institute. You will have the opportunity to share dietary restrictions upon acceptance. 

Q: How many participants will there be?
A: There will be roughly 135 teachers attending. Participants will meet in groups ranging from 15 people in breakout sessions and up to 50 for workshops or seminars. 

Q: I’ve submitted my application. When will I receive a response?
A: Applicants are notified in late April through early May each year. 

Q: Can you meet my accessibility needs? 
A: We are pleased to provide ASL interpretation. Please let us know at least one week in advance if you would benefit from an ASL interpreter in attendance. If you would benefit from any other accessibility measures, contact [email protected].